University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, California · Public · 26.7% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 96/100 · Exceptional Value
University of California-San Diego scores 96 (Exceptional Value) on the CampusROI scale -- tied for the highest score among large public research universities in California. The earnings premium sub-score of 98 reflects a raw premium of 1.001, meaning UCSD graduates earn twice the earnings advantage over comparable non-attendees compared to the national average. Net price averages $12,470; the 0-30000 income bracket pays $7,525 per year. The payback period is 3.8 years against $48,200 median 6-year earnings and $84,943 at 10 years. Computer Science (518 graduates, A grade, $112,006 year-one, $159,487 year-four) is the flagship program -- the year-one figure of $112k is among the highest in the entire Scorecard dataset for any CS program. Computer Engineering (174 graduates, A grade) and Mathematics and Computer Science (299 graduates, A grade) are the second and third STEM anchors. UCSD's research reputation in biosciences is reflected in strong earnings for Biomathematics/Bioinformatics (B+ grade, $76,592 year-one). Scorecard does not report SAT or ACT score ranges for UCSD.
Graduates recoup their total investment in just 3.8 years. The national average for 4-year schools is closer to 8-10 years.
University of California-San Diego
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $16,758/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $50,958/yr |
| Average net price | $12,470/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $49,880 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $84,943 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $48,200 |
| Median debt at graduation | $15,500 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $164 |
| Estimated payback period | 3.8 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 86.1% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 34,948 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of California-San Diego is $16,758/year ($50,958/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $12,470/year, or roughly $49,880 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $7,525/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $28,785/year.
The median graduate leaves with $15,500 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $164 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $84,943 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.32 - well within manageable territory.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,525 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,155 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,942 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,199 |
| $110,001+ | $28,785 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
The 0-30000 income bracket pays $7,525 per year at UCSD -- roughly $30,100 over four years. Against $48,200 median 6-year earnings and a 3.8-year institutional payback, low-income students from California face one of the best cost-to-outcome ratios in public higher education. CS and engineering graduates in this bracket recover their full four-year investment within approximately three months of their first paycheck.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The 48001-75000 bracket pays $9,942 and the 75001-110000 bracket pays $15,199. Both represent exceptional value for a 96-score research university. The broad earnings range across UCSD programs means middle-income families in technical majors recover costs quickly; humanities and social science graduates face longer payback windows but still benefit from the low net price.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families earning $110,000 or more pay $28,785 per year -- roughly $115,000 over four years. For CS and engineering graduates earning $96k-$112k at year one, the payback period is approximately 14 months. For biology and humanities graduates with more modest year-one earnings, the payback extends to 5-10 years at this price level. The program selection decision is particularly consequential for full-pay families.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of California-San Diego with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Science | $81,160 | B |
| Computer Science | $159,487 | A |
| International/Globalization Studies | $81,174 | B |
| International Relations | $67,713 | C+ |
| Economics | $87,307 | B+ |
| Psychology | $51,679 | C |
| Public Health | $66,110 | B |
| Biology | $64,437 | C+ |
| Mathematics and Computer Science | $137,218 | A |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $89,451 | B+ |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Computer Science
Computer Science (518 graduates) earns an A grade: $112,006 year-one and $159,487 year-four with $16,550 median debt and a ratio of 0.148. The year-one figure of $112k is exceptional by any measure -- above most Ivy League CS programs in Scorecard data. At $12,470 net price, CS graduates recover the full four-year cost of attendance in roughly two months of work. UCSD's CS program benefits from proximity to San Diego's technology sector and a strong Silicon Valley recruitment pipeline.
Computer Engineering
Computer Engineering (174 graduates) earns an A grade: $96,256 year-one and $149,139 year-four with $18,497 median debt and a ratio of 0.192. The year-four figure of $149k is among the highest for any engineering program in public higher education. Computer Engineering at UCSD spans semiconductor design, embedded systems, and software -- skill sets directly matched to the major employers in San Diego County and the broader California technology sector.
Mathematics and Computer Science
Mathematics and Computer Science (299 graduates) earns an A grade: $89,651 year-one and $137,218 year-four with $18,887 median debt and a ratio of 0.211. This interdisciplinary program produces graduates with strong quantitative computing foundations; the year-one figure of $90k reflects placements in quantitative finance, software engineering, and data science. The four-year trajectory to $137k confirms strong career earnings growth.
Cognitive Science
Cognitive Science (722 graduates) earns a B grade: $39,839 year-one and $81,160 year-four with $17,481 median debt and a ratio of 0.439. Cognitive Science is UCSD's largest non-engineering Scorecard program. The year-one figure is modest but the four-year jump to $81k is substantial, reflecting graduates who move into technology product management, UX research, data analysis, and graduate programs. UCSD's cognitive science program is one of the strongest in the country.
Biology
Biology (316 graduates) earns a C+ grade: $34,504 year-one and $64,437 year-four with $17,667 median debt and a ratio of 0.512. Biology is among the largest programs at UCSD, drawing a significant pre-medical enrollment. Year-one earnings of $35k reflect graduates in research positions, graduate school, or early post-baccalaureate training. The four-year figure of $64k captures graduates who entered the workforce; medical school graduates would have substantially higher eventual earnings.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 84.2% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 86.4% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 84.8% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 88.3% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 26.7% |
| Enrollment | 34,948 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 34.2% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $19,117 |
At 26.7% admission, UCSD is selective but moderately so within the UC system -- less selective than UCLA and Berkeley, and comparable to UC Santa Barbara. The school's engineering and CS programs are among the most competitive tracks; biological sciences attract a large pre-medical applicant pool with lower near-term earnings figures. Scorecard does not report test score ranges.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Scorecard peers include University of Florida, UT Austin, and University of Michigan -- flagship public research universities with comparable selectivity and scope. UCSD's 96 ROI score places it at the top of this peer group. Michigan and UT Austin have higher sticker prices and similar earnings; UCSD's low California net price creates the better financial outcome for most income brackets. Among UC campuses, only UC Berkeley shows comparable CS earnings, but UCSD's net price advantage for in-state students is meaningful.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of California-San Diego (this school) | 96 | $12,470 | $84,943 |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | 96 | $16,665 | $90,768 |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | 95 | $13,138 | $83,648 |
| University of Florida | 92 | $6,541 | $71,588 |
| The University of Texas at Austin | 90 | $19,857 | $75,121 |
| California State University-Bakersfield | 75 | $5,652 | $59,009 |
Who Thrives Here
UCSD admits 26.7% of applicants and enrolls 34,948 students in La Jolla, California. Scorecard does not report SAT or ACT score ranges. Pell grant rate of 34.2% reflects the UC system's need-based aid model reaching low-income California students. The school has the highest research output of any UC campus and is particularly strong in computer science, engineering, biology, and oceanography. San Diego's technology and biotech industry cluster -- including Qualcomm, defense contractors, and biotech firms -- creates strong local demand for UCSD engineering and science graduates.
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
University of California-San Diego is one of the strongest financial investments in higher education. With a total 4-year net cost of $49,880 and median graduate earnings of $84,943 ten years out, the math works decisively in graduates' favor. The estimated payback period of 3.8 years is well below average.
The data highlights several strengths: strong earnings premium over high school graduates, a 86.1% graduation rate, manageable debt relative to earnings, high loan repayment success.
Median debt of $15,500 is very manageable against $84,943 in annual earnings - well within the financial advisor rule of thumb that total debt should not exceed first-year salary.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.